Nearly 2,900 schools and over 1.2 million people aged 15-24 years live within one kilometre of a canal or river. Many of them are within the UK's most economically disadvantaged areas.
Young people across the country are dealing with challenges in education, job opportunities, and social mobility.
The gap in grades between disadvantaged students and their peers is significant. Outcomes for the poorest students in long-term poverty haven't improved in the last ten years. This disadvantage can have a lasting impact on individuals and continue through generations.
There is a higher percentage of people with no qualifications, unemployment, and those belong to the lowest socioeconomic group living in communities next to water.
However, our canal network offers opportunities for those facing the greatest inequalities in England and Wales. We develop activities with feedback from children, teachers, education providers, partners, and experts.
